When high school ends, so do the everyday moments with friends who have been by your side for years. As seniors prepare to graduate, some are determined to maintain these bonds, while others see it as a chance for a fresh start. With physical distance and new responsibilities, staying connected isn’t always easy. How do seniors plan to hold on to old friendships, and why do some choose to let go?
This article looks at how seniors handle the challenge of keeping or moving on from high school relationships as they step into adulthood. Through interviews with three seniors—one moving abroad for a fresh start, another studying abroad but wanting to stay in touch, and a third staying in Colombia while friends leave—we explore the emotions and realities behind these choices. Experts weigh in on how technology, distance, and emotional ties influence these changing connections.
“I want to continue speaking with my friends despite the distance,” says Candelaria Navarro, a senior preparing to study abroad. “Many of them are important in my life and have been a great support for me.”
For some seniors like Navarro, staying connected is a priority, even as they move on to new experiences. The friendships they’ve built aren’t easily forgotten. But not everyone feels the same way about keeping in touch.
“I see this as an opportunity to open new horizons and meet people outside my usual circle,” says Manuela. “I’m excited to explore new cultures and step out of my comfort zone.”
Navarro values her friendships but also welcomes the chance to start fresh, much like Manuela. Many seniors recognize the need to balance old and new connections, knowing that not all friendships will last.
“I know some friendships won’t survive the distance,” admits Federico Villegas, another senior staying in Colombia. “But I plan to stay in touch with those who matter most through calls and messages.”
This mix of holding on and letting go is something many students face. A study by Pew Research Center found that 46% of adults in long-distance relationships struggle to stay close to friends and family. However, technology helps bridge the gap, giving seniors ways to keep in touch despite the distance.
“I plan to use FaceTime and messaging to check in with my closest friends,” says Manuela. “It’s important for me to know how they’re doing, even from afar.”
Still, not all seniors feel the need to maintain these ties. Some see graduation as a turning point, a chance to fully embrace what’s ahead.
“I see leaving school as a clean slate,” says Villegas. “I want to focus on the future and form new relationships rather than holding onto the past.”
A school counselor explains, “Letting go of old relationships can be a healthy way to embrace new experiences, but maintaining key friendships can provide essential emotional support during transitions.”
As seniors prepare to leave high school, their choices about friendships reflect their hopes, fears, and the different paths they’re taking.
“Whether we stay close or drift apart, these friendships have shaped who I am, and I’ll carry those memories with me wherever I go,” says Navarro.